Nick Nurse Explains Why He Took The 76ers Job

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The Philadelphia 76ers needed to find a head coach that can get them over the hump.

That hump is the Eastern Conference semifinals, which the Sixers have not surpassed since Joel Embiid has been on the team.

By hiring a veteran head coach like Doc Rivers, the Sixers thought he would be their guy.

Yet after a few disappointing playoff runs Rivers is out the door.

The Sixers decided to try their hand at another veteran coach and former NBA champion.

Philadelphia hired former Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse to take over their team.

Nurse had a strong market and could have chosen to coach the Sixers or Phoenix Suns.

According to Tim Bontemps, Nurse chose the Sixers because of their players and organizational infrastructure.

Nick Nurse opens his press conference thanking the Raptors and the city of Toronto for “10 great years” with the franchise. Says he liked the opportunity in Philly because of the combination of players and organizational infrastructure in place.

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) June 1, 2023

Nurse could not pass on the opportunity to coach reigning league MVP Joel Embiid.

Also, it was smart of Nurse to remain in the Eastern Conference as that is weaker than the West.

When it comes to the front office in Philadelphia, Nurse has a good relationship with Sixers GM Daryl Morey.

Nurse coached the Houston Rockets G League affiliate during the same time Morey was the Rockets GM.

For those who remember, Nurse was the Raptors’ head coach when they beat the 76ers in Game 7 of the ECSF.

“The Shot” by Kawhi Leonard is still one that is hard to talk about in Philadelphia.

Now all Sixers fans hope that Nurse can lead them to the same place he led the Raptors.

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